Senate echoes united support for Pak-China friendship

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2026) The Senate on Wednesday witnessed rare political unanimity as treasury and opposition members warmly welcomed a parliamentary delegation led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Cai Dafeng, reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding and all-weather friendship with China.

Members from both sides of the aisle termed Pakistan-China relations a bond “higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the oceans, and sweeter than honey,” saying the friendship between the two countries had grown stronger over the past 75 years of diplomatic ties.

Speaking on the occasion, senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader Senator Sherry Rehman said Pakistan was the first Muslim country to formally recognise the People’s Republic of China in 1951, adding that bilateral relations had evolved into one of the world's most enduring and admired partnerships.

She said the PPP shared a historic and emotional connection with China and the Communist Party of China, recalling that former prime minister and PPP founder Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was among the last world leaders to meet Chairman Mao.

She highlighted China’s achievements in poverty alleviation, green technology, and innovation, saying Beijing had lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty within decades.

She also appreciated educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries, noting that thousands of Pakistani students were studying in Chinese universities and learning the Chinese language through Confucius Institutes across Pakistan.

Leader of the Opposition Raja Nasir Abbas said the world was moving from a uni-polar to a multi-polar order, with power shifting from the West towards Asia.

He said Pakistan-China friendship held key importance in this changing global landscape and stressed that Asia’s future depended on peace, dialogue, and regional cooperation rather than conflict.

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He said China had emerged as a role model by eliminating poverty, ensuring development, and maintaining consistency in its foreign policy.

Raja Nasir Abbas proposed greater Asian parliamentary, student, intellectual, and business forums to strengthen dialogue and resolve disputes peacefully across the continent.

Senator Kamil Ali Agha, while representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), said China had always supported Pakistan diplomatically and economically.

He described the friendship between the two countries as exemplary.

He also appreciated China’s support during recent regional tensions and said both countries remained advocates of global peace.

Haji Hidayatullah of the Awami National Party (ANP), while warmly welcoming the Chinese delegation, said the people of Pakistan considered China their most trusted friend.

He recalled a personal experience at the Chinese embassy abroad where he was told Pakistanis were treated as “special friends” of China, which he termed a matter of pride for the nation.

Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, speaking on behalf of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), also welcomed the visiting delegation and reaffirmed her party’s support for stronger Pakistan-China cooperation and friendship.

Senator Azam Swati said the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had always emphasized following China’s leadership model and maintaining strong relations with Beijing during his tenure in government.

Representing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Senator Kamran Murtaza said love and affection for China united all political parties in Pakistan.

He praised China’s leadership for standing with ordinary people during difficult times and appreciated Beijing’s continued support for development projects in Balochistan and other parts of the country.

Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

APP/rzr-raz